Raising the Curtain on the 2007 Farm Bill
By Jessica McCormack, posted 12/8/05

On Dec. 7, Missouri government officials, agricultural leaders and producers from across the state assembled at Columbia's Holiday Inn Expo Center for "Raising the Curtain on the 2007 Farm Bill," an informational forum sponsored by the Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT).

Their goal was to discuss the main agricultural issues and concerns facing Missouri and how they can effectively be addressed in the 2007 Farm Bill.

Missouri government officials led the first panel discussion.

"I hope the next farm bill recognizes agriculture as our nation's foundation industry, provides a safety net that allows us to remain a world leader in agriculture, opens new markets while developing existing ones and promote production agriculture in concert with conservation," Tim Kelley, state executive director of the USDA Farm Service Agency said.

Missouri Director of Agriculture, Fred Ferrell, is in favor of furthering the 2002 Farm Bill.

"Do we really need to reinvent the wheel or add to current methods and practices," he said. "It's still about a safe food supply and it is still about assuring profitability for our state's farmers."

Rep. Kathy Chinn, member of the House Agriculture Committee, is concerned about agricultural awareness and public perception of farmers.

"Science and technology have made the agriculture industry what it is today, now we must become better neighbors. Regulations should be developed through sound science," Chinn said. "People must understand our way of life in farming."

Senator Dan Clemens, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee encouraged constituents to get involved.

"The main way you can affect the 2007 Farm Bill is to contact every leader and legislator you know. Just be involved," Clemens said.  

Leaders of nine Missouri agriculture organizations were on hand to present the views of their members. Organizations with representatives in attendance included: Missouri Farm Bureau, MFA Incorporated, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Rice Council, Missouri Pork Association, Missouri Dairy Association, Missouri Cattlemen's and the Missouri Farmer's Union.

Each organization wants to see a continuation of the 2002 Farm Bill. However, several issues were discussed in detail during this panel. Key issues addressed included: World Trade Organization compliance, value added agriculture, government programs, alternative fuels, conservation efforts and protecting farmer's rights.

"Protecting our rights and finding our future, that is what the Farm Bureau hopes to find when the 2007 Farm Bill is complete," Dan Cassidy, chief administrative officer of the Missouri Farm Bureau said.

"We want and need to bring young people back to the farm, incentive programs and repeal of the death tax would encourage this," Brent Rockhold, past-president of the Missouri Corn Growers Association said.

Questions from the floor stirred debate about country of origin labeling.

Russ Kremer, president of the Missouri Farmer's Union, is in favor of mandatory country or origin labeling.

"To maintain consumer support and an authentic relationship with the pubic, we must mandate country of origin labeling," Kremer said. "It would increase value."

"Congress does make mistakes, and country of origin labeling was one of them. Keep country of origin labeling voluntary," Don Nickodim, executive vice president of the Missouri Pork Association said.   "All poultry is exempt, food for the restaurant industry, schools and government programs, it's all exempt from the law. It really doesn't make sense."

Brent Bryant, executive vice president of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association, offered his opinion.

"Organic and niche markets are very successful today. If producers feel that labeling enhances value, then voluntarily label it. The market is out there," Bryant said.

The forum provided a unique experience for all in attendance. "Raising the Curtain on the 2007 Farm Bill," proved that there is genuine interest, concern and support from numerous organizations and individuals from across the state. As government officials and agricultural leaders from across the nation begin to draft the 2007 Farm Bill, it is obvious that Missouri will be well represented.

Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) said it is up to Congress to make sure the 2007 Farm Bill meets the needs of farmers.

"Congress has a responsibility... It can do this by enacting national agriculture policies that allow farmers to get the most bang for their agricultural buck," Rep. Ike Skelton said.

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